Today in Focus Is it time to break up with US tech? – The Latest
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Jan 30, 2026 Chris Stokel-Walker, technology journalist and author who covers tech industry risks, discusses European dependence on US tech. He explains France ditching Zoom for a local alternative. He outlines fears of US firms cutting access, the challenge of building independent infrastructure, and Europe’s limited AI champions.
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Europe Realises US Tech Dominates
- European governments are waking up to how much core tech relies on US companies like Google and Microsoft.
- France's move to switch from Zoom to a local tool signals growing discomfort with dependence on US platforms.
European Cloud Is Mostly Offshore
- Much European cloud infrastructure is hosted outside Europe, with only about 1% actually based in-country.
- That concentration increases vulnerability if access to US-hosted services is restricted or weaponised.
ICC Prosecutor Lost Email Access
- Microsoft cut off access to the ICC's chief prosecutor after US sanctions affected him.
- That incident showed how US government actions can ripple through US tech companies and disrupt international institutions.